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1054 Zinc Toxicosis

Possible Complications PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS Coombs’ testing is not a reliable method
Liver, pancreatic, and renal compromise Comments of differentiating IMHA from zinc toxicosis.
VetBooks.ir Recommended Monitoring • Toxicosis is unlikely if zinc-containing objects Technician Tips
• Some radiopaque objects such as bismuth
move out of the GI tract quickly.
• CBC, serum biochemistry profile: packed cell
volume (PCV), bilirubin, renal, pancreatic
and liver values for 1-3 days or until resolu- • The hematologic and clinical findings in subsalicylate tablets (Pepto-Bismol) can
resemble coins. Verify with client that
animals with zinc toxicosis are similar to
tion of signs those found for immune-mediated hemolytic medications have not been administered to
• Urinalysis (daily for resolution of anemia (IMHA). the pet.
pigmenturia) • U.S. dimes, nickels, and quarters do not • Zinc gluconate cough/cold drops such as
contain significant amounts of zinc, so Cold Eeze rarely cause more than mild,
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME systemic zinc toxicosis is not expected from self-limited GI upset.
ingestion of these coins.
• Good with supportive care after removing • The greatest amounts of zinc accumulate SUGGESTED READING
the source in blood, liver, kidney, skin, lung, brain, Talcott PA: Zinc. In Peterson ME, et al, editors:
• Poor if there is evidence of multiple organ heart, and pancreas. Excretion of zinc occurs Small animal toxicology, ed 3, St. Louis, 2013,
system damage or failure (liver, kidney, and/ through bile and pancreatic secretions. Saunders, pp 847-885.
or pancreas) • Zinc toxicosis can cause a positive direct AUTHOR: Charlotte Means, DVM, MLIS, DABVT, DABT
antiglobulin test (Coombs’ test) result. EDITOR: Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT

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